Witnessing Justice: Three Unsatisfying Comeuppance Stories and Their Lessons

Every now and then, we come across situations that seem so unjust and unfair that the end results feel immensely satisfying. These instances of comeuppance, whether witnessed in personal or professional settings, offer a sense of closure and vindication that is hard to match. In this article, we explore three instances of comeuppance that might resonate with many of us.

The DJ’s Arduous Night

Scenario: I was working for an events company, meticulously setting up all the furniture and equipment required for a client's event. During a casual chat with the DJ, who had just arrived, he made a dismissive comment, which I initially dismissed as a moment of bad demeanor. However, upon witnessing the same behavior a second time, I realized the DJ was a far less tolerant individual than he appeared.

Despite the DJ's rude behavior, he left the event confident in his ability to leave on his own terms. But, as I was packing up the van, I saw him struggling with two huge boxes of records while walking down a long road to the nearest tube station, which was far from our event location. He was walking for at least 2 miles. This comeuppance was not about justice, but about the realization of his own immaturity and poor judgment, leaving a lasting impression that echoes a lesson in personal accountability.

The Fall of a Cheating Former Friend

Scenario: A former friend of mine was embroiled in an affair with his girlfriend. Unbeknownst to them, his wife caught them in the act, which made their prenuptial agreement null and void. This led to the girlfriend getting the house in the separation.

This comeuppance is a classic example of justice being served. The cheater's impulsive actions led to significant repercussions, reaffirming the principle that one’s actions have consequences.

The Honest Surveyor’s Victory

Scenario: In 1977, I was working as a Surveyor in one of the Coal Mines in Godavari Kahni. While I was fresh to the job and diligently following rules, my boss, the Colliery Manager, and his superior, the Superintending Mining Engineer (SME), did not appreciate my strict adherence to protocols. The SME took illicit actions, requesting stones and other materials to be lifted from a specific location to increase financial gain for the contractor, hence benefiting him.

Beyond the direct confrontation, I kept a record of my activities to protect myself and rightfully ensure that the rulebook was followed. Facing a show cause letter that accused me of inefficiency, the SME's inappropriate behavior was exposed. Soon after, the SME was suspended for accepting a bribe and ultimately dismissed. This was the most satisfying moment for me, as it not only vindicated my actions but also brought justice to my workplace.

Lessons of Comeuppance

These comeuppance stories, though unsatisfying, teach us valuable lessons:

Resilience: Dealing with unfair treatment requires strength and resilience. Maintaining integrity in the face of adversity is crucial. Documentation: Keeping records of events and following rules can protect you and serve as evidence of your adherence to principles. Justice: Sometimes, it takes time and effort, but justice will prevail. Trust the process and stand firm in your ethics.

These stories not only offer insights into the complexities of human behavior but also highlight the importance of staying true to one’s principles, regardless of the circumstances.